We love Donald Duck, oh yes we do! - Link to the PTR - COMPLETE

[SoonerGirl]

That is so funny about recognizing a DISer! I love it! And how cool that you got a pic from the first ride on ToT! I might have to do that when Henry is old enough....I bet it's a great reaction!

The picture is so fun, my oldest DS especially was certain that he was not going to live You'll definitely have to get one when Henry is old enough! I hope you don't mind me posting the picture. My family is in the 2nd row on the left (I'm the one in the pink shirt). Younger DS just looks confused, but the reaction on my older son's face is priceless! My real life BFF and her family are in the row in front of us, and the DISer is in the row behind us. I haven't "seen" her around here in a long time, I'm not sure if she even still comes on.

 

[Carrie772]

Coming on to enjoy the fun! Thanks for a great story, Brooke.

 

[OhMari]

I started your TR 3 days ago,
I sneak in a post whenever I can at work.
I just finished with the Space Center.
I really hope they have a Space Launch next December for you.
It was the highlight of our trip last November, my boys said it was even better than the Nascar Race.

I'm waiting for the busses to go past my house, so I can get in my driveway,
I am going to go read what was so embarassing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

That's a fabulous idea!! It would be so fun to meet everyone in person. But aren't there quite a few of you at WDW in December at the same time?

There are at least 3 of us I know...it will be a mini-Meet! Hopefully it will grow...

We had a Mini Jambo Meet in September. RachelTori, DisneyBride03 and BensMom (along with a few more friends and family ). It would be wonderful if we could find a time for more of us to be there! I think RachelTori and I will overlap in December by a day or so though!

Ah, yes! I remember that one!
What are your dates in December (again...I'm sure I've already asked you...)?

They look so delicious -- I am going to have to add Starring Rolls to my DHS list.

There will be pictures of the reunion, I promise...

Art Deco is my favorite architectural style as well -- in Charleston where I grew up there is a beautiful Art Deco movie theatre on King Street that sat empty and abandoned for years -- they finally restored it.

That is so great about them restoring the theatre! It makes my heart happy when Cities do that instead of tearing old buildings down.

Starring Rolls is perfect for a sugar-pick-me-up or a second breakfast...!

Brook!! Another great update! I love Henry and his Dut Dut!! What a great surprise for him to wake up to!!!

Don't you just love a great DIS meet!! I know I did!! DIS has been such a great venue to meet some amazing people!!!

DHS is such a great park! I'm glad you guys had a great time!!! Boy do those snacks look yummy I'm definitely putting them on my list of things to try at some point!!!!

DIS meets are so much fun!!
DHS used to be my least favorite park, but after our wonderful day there, I can't say that anymore-I don't have a least favorite. I love them all for their own reasons. Our day just gets better from here! Hopefully I can post tonight/tomorrow and share more of the magic!

It was alot of fun. We are trying to plan another one for 2010!

How fun! You guys should seriously get some airline discounts or something! A GRAND GRAND Gathering though Disney!!

The picture is so fun, my oldest DS especially was certain that he was not going to live You'll definitely have to get one when Henry is old enough! I hope you don't mind me posting the picture. My family is in the 2nd row on the left (I'm the one in the pink shirt). Younger DS just looks confused, but the reaction on my older son's face is priceless! My real life BFF and her family are in the row in front of us, and the DISer is in the row behind us. I haven't "seen" her around here in a long time, I'm not sure if she even still comes on.

I LOVE THE PIC! Thanks for sharing it!

The pic on your DS' face is awesome. He is like "oh my word, this is IT isn't it?!" I love it!

I think I recognize the DISer behind you too...I cannot recall her name though...she was on MeMom's reports a lot. Gah. It's gonna bug me until I remember it!

I LOVE your BFF's face too. Awesome!

The kid in the middle front on the right is pretty funny too, he's looking up as if expecting to see the cord snapping or something...

Coming on to enjoy the fun! Thanks for a great story, Brooke.

Welcome!!! Thanks for reading - glad you are enjoying it!

I started your TR 3 days ago,
I sneak in a post whenever I can at work.
I just finished with the Space Center.
I really hope they have a Space Launch next December for you.
It was the highlight of our trip last November, my boys said it was even better than the Nascar Race.

I'm waiting for the busses to go past my house, so I can get in my driveway,
I am going to go read what was so embarassing.

I sneak in at work whenever I can too-need those brain breaks sometimes!

That is so neat that you got to see the shuttle launch! Joe found out if they do just move it, it's usually within 3 days earlier, or 3 days later, we'll still be at Disney all those days-so we are gonna be flexiable with it. Hopefully it will not cancel altogether. Did you watch it from KSC?

The embarassing update was an adventure...thankfully we can laugh now!

 

[CJsMom]

Great update Brook! How cool that you and Flossbolna got together! Great food pictures too - very yummy! I can't remember who replied to you about slowing down during the trip to see the details - but I have to agree - seeing your pictures and hearing about just "wandering" around the park are making me see the error of my ways! I must stop and "smell the roses" next trip, even if Tour Guide Mike wouldn't approve.

So glad to hear that Henry kept the yogurt down. My pedi always said that if the kids had "intestinal issues" (coming from either end) to avoid milk but that yogurt is ok. Maybe it doesn't irritate the stomach as much?

BTW - I have had to impose a Shamrock Shake limit on myself. Way too much minty goodness has been consumed!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I think I recognize the DISer behind you too...I cannot recall her name though...she was on MeMom's reports a lot. Gah. It's gonna bug me until I remember it!

Her screen name was TheSchultzFive, I know her real name but can't remember if she used it on here or not, so I'm not going to say just in case she doesn't want it out there.

 

[PNO4TE]

Ah, yes! I remember that one!
What are your dates in December (again...I'm sure I've already asked you...)?

Well, we are tentative on this, but December 19-27. Depends on my recital schedule right now. Much later than most of the rest of you...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update Brook! How cool that you and Flossbolna got together! Great food pictures too - very yummy! I can't remember who replied to you about slowing down during the trip to see the details - but I have to agree - seeing your pictures and hearing about just "wandering" around the park are making me see the error of my ways! I must stop and "smell the roses" next trip, even if Tour Guide Mike wouldn't approve.

So glad to hear that Henry kept the yogurt down. My pedi always said that if the kids had "intestinal issues" (coming from either end) to avoid milk but that yogurt is ok. Maybe it doesn't irritate the stomach as much?

BTW - I have had to impose a Shamrock Shake limit on myself. Way too much minty goodness has been consumed!

Joe has converted me as well - it's all his doing, having the relaxed, "no plans" sort of time. And I found myself loving the trip even more! You really catch magical moments with your family, and see the little things and enjoy them. It's awesome! It does take some self-convincing to be OK about not getting to ride TSM, and not fitting in everything I had hoped, but as long as I go in with that attitude...plus the whole knowing I will being going back helps a TON. I think that's what your hubby needs - he needs you to plan several trips in a row, so none of them will be rushed, because you know you can always fit it in next time.

That is interesting about the milk versus yogurt. Good things to keep in mind!

You are so funny about the Shamrock Shake limit! I've still only had 2...but I think this weekend I'm gonna cave and find myself at the drive-thru!

Her screen name was TheSchultzFive, I know her real name but can't remember if she used it on here or not, so I'm not going to say just in case she doesn't want it out there.

Ah, nope! Not the gal I was thinking of!! Looks like her from the side, and she always had her pic in her siggy - STILL can't remember the name of the one I was thinking of though...

 

[brookelizabeth]

With the chit chat about how quickly the last 18 months has gone by, and how I'm sure all his childhood years will just vanish before my eyes, I wanted to post some pics of Henry's first 18 months of life. Here is one pic from each month...


Birth

I put a little "gift" over his goodies. Didn't want to get banned from the site!


1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

The instant we would lay him down, his hands would slide up behind his head. He slept that way for a LONG time... It was so funny. Also when he was sitting in my lap, he would put his hands behind his head and cross his ankles, all chill-like.


5 months

His reaction to rice cereal.
Also the age when I started my PTR for our November trip!


6 months

7 months

Sitting up all by myself!


8 months

Still chubby...and he never was a really chubby baby really, but compared to now...! And look at his hair, aw, I love it.


9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year!

He REALLY enjoyed his cake...


13 months

His new "fort" behind the couch


14 months - November trip

"Look Mom! I made a mess!"


15 months

16 months - January trip (the TR you are reading)

17 months

"Feeding" himself yogurt


18 months

The smile that melts my heart...I love his little nose crinkle. My Mom tells me that I used to do that too...


And here he is after he nabbed the Disney Files magazine from me before I could even crack the cover. It's a dead-tie race on "Henry's Favorite Character" between Dut Dut and Mickey somedays...

The little red truck is the only object he's ever become attached to (aside from the Nuk!). It's pretty cute.


Henry really likes Gerber Puffs...he shoved the entire handful in his mouth at once...thankfully they melt pretty much as soon as they hit the tonuge!

But, he loves Mickey so much, he shared his Puffs with him!

It's funny to look back. When I first found out I was pregnant I was devestated. I DID NOT want a child at that point. Joe and I had only been married for 3 months, I just moved back to Minnesota...I wanted a few years to settle before kids.


God had different, and better plans.


I cried for almost 3 weeks and had incredible guilt about not wanting to be pregnant. Everyone around me was excited, so I pretended with the happiest face I could muster. Only Joe (and God!) knew my true feelings.


To be honest, I didn't ever get excited.


I had a smooth pregnancy without sickness, the only thing I had was a itchy rash called PUPPS. The only "cure" is delivery. Some nights I would wake myself up from itching so hard I would be bleeding. And I gained a lottttt of weight. It was not fun, but minor compared to what some women endure during pregnancy.


My due date came and then disappeared behind me. About a week after the due date my doctor called me in for a "non-stress" test. Due to him measuring so large (they did NOT expect 10 pounds though), and a few other factors...so I started to be induced.


32 hours of COMPLETE back labor later, several drugs, I was exhausted and nothing was happening. My midwife suggested a C-Section. Joe and I prayed, and decided that was the best route.


45 minutes later, Henry was born. This picture captures my exact first memory of him. Joe was standing by my head on the OR table and I said "Get a picture" It's one of my favorites:

Immediatly a tear rolled down my cheek.


That was my baby.
I was Mommy.


I only had ideas of what that meant. But I was soon to find out.


It means unconditional and unexplainable love. It means hours of laughs. It means sleepless nights and tears. It means confusion and desperation. It means joy that contains no bounds.


It really leaves me speechless.


Henry has changed my life. Some things, a lot of things, are harder. But, all things, ALL THINGS, are better with him!


He is my baby/toddler .

 

[IluvXU]

It is amazing that love you feel meeting your baby. Everytime it overwhelms me and everytime I wondered how I could love one that much. Enjoy your sweet baby... the grow too fast!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Ok, now that I am crying! lol How sweet I forgot we had the same pattern in baby gear (safari) ..and then the same WDW strollers

Thanks for sharing Brook!!!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

I remember looking at my baby boy and counting his fingers and toes and being totally in love. My baby is almost 30 now, and far away as an officer in the Airforce. Time flies by.

But he will ALWAYS be my baby!

 

[cheerful chickadee]

oh my you have me crying also! Thanks for sharing your pics and story about Henry.

Our babies (ok, ok toddlers, if we must be technical) are around the same age, DD will be 18 months on the 21st of March. I look at her everyday and just am amazed at how big she's gotten in such a short time, how much she knows now and how small she was just a few months ago. I too have had many laughs and smiles because of her and many tears and sleepless nights.

I have an older ds who is almost 12 (eek!) and I tear up just thinking about how fast he's grown up, I look at him in amazement sometimes and tell him "you used to fit in my belly!" lol He rolls his eyes and gets all "teen" on me but he'll always be my baby boy.

p.s. I too have the illustrius "let's pour the whole container of gerber puffs out all over the place" picture, they do it for their own entertainment of watching us clean it up, I swear! this is when DD was 9 months old I believe

 

[troobabiee7]

Aw Brook, that was the cutest!!!! Henry's such an adorable baby (little boy now!) and it was fun getting to see him "grow up." He's such a little man now! You and Joe are so lucky to have Henry to make you laugh and smile (and sometimes cry). It's what life's all about Thanks for sharing!

 

[Flossbolna]

This was a lovely update! He looks so much older already in the recent pictures compared to January. I can understand how you first felt when you got to know that you were pregnant and it is wonderful that everything worked out so well for you!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ahhh, Henry has always been just precious! His smile is just the best!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a fun look-back. Thank you for sharing! Henry does have some adorable expressions. I especially like the "chillin" with his hands by his head, the crinkle nose, the b-day cake, the puffs stuffed in his mouth, and his first picture taken right after delivery. What a joy! I really hope to be a mommy (to someone other than my dog!) someday.

 

[PNO4TE]

Brook - Your latest post made me cry this morning. Our DDs are 8 years apart and I went through the same feelings you did when I found out (at 4 months) that I was pregnant with our second child. Everyone else was delighted but Bob and I agonized over the complete upheaval in our lives.

We don't always know best, do we? I cannot imagine the past 23 years of my life without Kristin as part of it. And I can't wait to read your trip reports in another 20 years or so!

 

[kschafer]

thanks for sharing your pictures and your honesty with us. Both my boys were very much planned and wanted and I am DONE, I sometimes wonder what I would feel if God wanted us to have a thrid.

You made me think of my SIL grandmother. She tells of how she had only been married a couple months when the doctor told her she was pregnant the first time...and she cried. Her first child was only a few months old when she found out she was pregnant again...and she cried. Her children were 10 and 11 when she found out she was pregnant with her third and guess what...she cried

 

[princess&her4princes]

Awww, Brook, what a fantastic post!!!! You made me cry, you made me laugh but most of all you made me take a minute to remember how special each of my boys are and how blessed I truly am to have each and everyone one of them!! They grow to fast, I can't believe my oldest is 6, that our middle son is 4 and our baby is 20 months already..where does the time go? It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day motions of life but your post is a great reality check as I get ready for a busy day with my boys....so thank you, I"m off to kiss and hug each one of them (again!!) this morning and I hope you find the extra special minute with your big boy today, as well.

WOW the latest pic of Henry looks so different even from your last trip!!! He's getting SO big!!!!